The Charles County Skatepark at White Plains Regional Park located on St. Charles Parkway, south of DeMarr Road, will offer free admission and equipment rental to all skateboarders ages 6 and older on the following dates: Monday, Dec. 23; Thursday, Dec. 26; Friday, Dec. 27; and Monday, Dec. 30.

Each free session will run from 11 a.m. to dusk. The Charles County Parks Division wishes to thank our skateboarders for their patronage throughout the year, and encourage first timers to bring their boards and give the park a try.

For more information, contact the Department of Public Works, Parks Division, at 301-932-3470, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Citizens will special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.

Commissioners Proclaim December as HIV/AIDS Awareness Month

On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the Charles County Board of Commissioners proclaimed the month of December as HIV/AIDS Awareness Month to encourage citizens to increase their understanding and awareness of the AIDS pandemic. HIV continues to be a major global health issue, having claimed more than 36 million lives, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. The proclamation was issued in conjunction with World AIDS day on Dec. 1.

In attendance were Miriam Bois LCSW-C, and representatives of Point of Change Jail and Street Ministry, Inc., and R U Respecting Urself organization.

Christmas Holiday Schedule

The Charles County Commissioners wish to remind residents of the following government office and facility schedule changes for the Christmas and New Year's holidays:

Monday, Dec. 23

-- Waldorf Senior Center will be closed.

Tuesday, Dec. 24

-- Charles County Skate Park will be closed. All other parks will be open for walk-in use during regular daylight hours.

-- The last VanGO departures from the Waldorf transfer point will be at 5:30 p.m. on the 301 Connector, Business A, Business B, and Charlotte Hall routes. Last departures from the Waldorf transfer point will be at 6 p.m. on the Berry Road, Indian Head, Pinefield, St. Charles A, St. Charles B, and St. Charles C routes. Last departures from the La Plata transfer point will be at 5:30 p.m. on the 301 Connector, Bryans Road, and Nanjemoy routes. Last departures from the La Plata transfer point for Newburg will be at 4:30 p.m. and for La Plata will be at 6 p.m.

-- Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Campnastics drop-in program only; classes, practices, or other evening activities will not be held.

-- Lackey and North Point indoor pools will be closed.

-- The Nanjemoy Community Center, Port Tobacco Recreation Center, and all other community centers will be closed.

-- The Waldorf Senior Center will be closed.

Wednesday, Dec. 25:

-- All Charles County Government offices and the Tri-County Animal Shelter in Hughesville will be closed.

-- VanGO services will not be operating.

-- Charles County Skate Park will be closed. All other parks will be open for walk-in use during regular daylight hours.

-- White Plains Golf Course will be closed.

-- The Nanjemoy Community Center, Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center, Port Tobacco Recreation Center, and all other community centers will be closed.

-- All senior centers will be closed.

-- Lackey and North Point indoor pools will be closed.

-- Crain Memorial Welcome Center will be closed.

-- The Charles County Sanitary Landfill and all recycling centers will be closed.

-- The last VanGO departures from the Waldorf transfer point will be at 5:30 p.m. on the 301 Connector, Business A, Business B, and Charlotte Hall routes. Last departures from the Waldorf transfer point will be at 6 p.m. on the Berry Road, Indian Head, Pinefield, St. Charles A, St. Charles B, and St. Charles C routes. Last departures from the La Plata transfer point will be at 5:30 p.m. on the 301 Connector, Bryans Road, and Nanjemoy routes. Last departures from the La Plata transfer point for Newburg will be at 4:30 p.m. and for La Plata will be at 6 p.m.

-- Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Campnastics drop-in program only; classes, practices, and other evening activities will not be held.

-- Lackey and North Point indoor pools will be closed.

-- The Nanjemoy Community Center, Port Tobacco Recreation Center, and all other community centers will be closed.

Wednesday, Jan 1:

-- All Charles County Government offices and the Tri-County Animal Shelter in Hughesville will be closed.

-- VanGO services will not be operating.

-- The Charles County Skate Park will be closed. All other parks will be open for walk-in use during regular daylight hours.

-- The Nanjemoy Community Center, Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center, Port Tobacco Recreation Center, and all other community centers will be closed.

-- All senior centers will be closed.

-- Lackey and North Point indoor pools will be closed.

-- Crain Memorial Welcome Center will be closed.

-- The Charles County Sanitary Landfill and all recycling centers will be closed.

For questions about Charles County Government holiday closures, contact Ms. Crystal Hunt, Public Information Officer, at 301-645-0580 or HuntC@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.